What Is a Baby Teething Amber Necklace?
A baby teething amber necklace is a piece of jewellery made from Baltic amber beads, designed to be worn around an infant's neck during the teething phase. Unlike chewing teething toys, these necklaces are not intended for chewing. They are worn against the skin, based on the belief that body heat activates the amber and releases a naturally occurring compound called succinic acid.
Baltic amber is a hardened or ancient tree resin that originates from forests across the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is estimated to be over 44 million years old, and it is among the most studied forms of amber in the world. The amber beads used in teething necklaces are typically raw, polished, or heat treated, and strung individually with knots between each bead.
How Does an Amber Teething Necklace Work? The Succinic Acid Theory
The core claim behind amber teething necklaces centres on succinic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in Baltic amber in concentrations of approximately three to eight per cent. People believe that when the amber beads warm against a baby's skin, they release oils containing succinic acid, which is then absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where it is said to act as a natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory agent.
Succinic acid is a recognised compound. It is found in dietary supplements, heart medications, and topical arthritis creams. In many European and Asian countries, Baltic amber products are sold in pharmacies for their therapeutic properties.
However, it is important to be transparent about what the scientific evidence actually says.
Does the Science Support Amber Teething Necklaces?
The honest answer is: not sufficiently.
A 2019 peer reviewed study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, set out to scientifically test the core claims made by amber necklace retailers. Their findings were clear: succinic acid does not leak from Baltic amber beads in meaningful quantities when exposed to conditions that replicate human skin.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that even if succinic acid were released, the quantities would be unknown and unregulated. There is currently no clinical evidence that Baltic amber teething necklaces reduce teething pain in infants.
For parents seeking a natural teething remedy, this is important context. The absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence, but it does mean that any perceived benefit may be attributable to expected effect, developmental timing, or other soothing factors.
Are Amber Teething Necklaces Safe?
Safety is the most critical conversation around amber teething jewellery, and it is one that paediatricians, child safety organisations, and regulatory bodies take very seriously.
Choking Hazard
The beads on an amber teething necklace, however small, represent a choking risk. If the string breaks or a bead becomes detached, an infant can place it in their mouth. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) does not advocate any cord being placed around a baby's neck at any time, citing the inherent risk from clasps and beads that can become detached.
Strangulation Risk
Any cord or necklace worn around an infant's neck carries a strangulation risk. This is particularly concerning during sleep or unsupervised periods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has specifically advised against amber teething necklaces on safety grounds.
Safe Use Guidance (If Parents Choose to Proceed)
While health organisations do not recommend these necklaces, parents who choose to use them are consistently advised to:
- Never leave a baby unsupervised while wearing the necklace
- Always remove the necklace during nap time and bedtime
- Choose a necklace with an individually knotted design so that if the string breaks, beads do not scatter
- Choose a necklace with a safety clasp that releases under pressure
- Opt for genuine Baltic amber from a certified supplier, not synthetic imitations
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How to Identify Genuine Baltic Amber
Not all amber on the market is genuine. Synthetic resins and plastic imitations are common, particularly at lower price points. Here is how to identify authentic Baltic amber:
- The saltwater test: Genuine Baltic amber floats in a saturated saltwater solution; plastic sinks.
- The smell test: Rubbing real amber produces a faint pine like or earthy scent.
- Inclusions: Natural Baltic amber often contains small imperfections, bubbles, or fossilised matter.
- Certification: Reputable suppliers will provide certification of authenticity and details on where the amber was sourced.
- Colour variation: Genuine raw amber comes in honey, cognac, cherry, green, and milky white tones. Unnaturally uniform colour can indicate processing or synthetic material.
When searching for the best Baltic amber teething necklace, prioritise suppliers who are transparent about sourcing, offer certification, and use individually knotted strands.
Types of Amber Teething Necklaces
Understanding the product range helps parents make an informed purchasing decision.
Raw vs Polished Amber: Raw (unpolished) amber is believed by many sellers to have a higher concentration of active succinic acid on its surface layer. Polished amber has been heat treated, which may affect the outer resin layer.
Amber Necklace vs Amber Bracelet vs Amber Anklet: Some parents choose amber teething bracelets or anklets to reduce the strangulation risk associated with wearing jewellery around the neck. An anklet worn inside a babygrow, for example, keeps the amber in contact with the skin while removing proximity to the airway.
Colour and Style: Baltic amber teething necklaces are available in cognac, honey, lemon, cherry, and multicoloured varieties. There is no clinical evidence that colour affects efficiency, though some sellers suggest that lighter, less processed amber contains more accessible succinic acid.
Amber Teething Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can babies wear an amber teething necklace? Most sellers suggest their products are suitable from three months, which aligns with when teething typically begins. However, no medical authority endorses wearing necklaces of any kind on infants at any age.
Can a baby wear an amber necklace at night? No. All guidance, including from sellers themselves, advises removing the necklace during sleep to prevent strangulation.
How long should a baby wear the amber necklace each day? Sellers typically recommend wearing the necklace during waking hours only, with continuous skin contact. Most suggest several hours of daily wear before evaluating any perceived effect.
What is the correct length for a baby amber teething necklace? Most baby amber teething necklaces measure approximately 32 to 33 cm (around 13 inches). The necklace should sit snugly against the neck without hanging loosely, while still being removable with a safety clasp under pressure.
Are amber teething necklaces banned in the UK? They are not currently banned in the UK, but RoSPA advises against their use and they are not endorsed by the NHS.
Safer Alternatives to Amber Teething Necklaces
For parents who want clinically supported teething relief options, the following are recommended by paediatric health professionals:
- Chilled (not frozen) teething rings: Cold reduces inflammation and numbs gum tissue temporarily
- Chilled damp cloth: A clean, cold cloth allows supervised chewing and gum stimulation
- Chewing teething toys: BPA-free, easy to clean, safe for supervised chewing
- Gum massage: Gentle pressure on sore gums with a clean finger provides temporary relief
- Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen: For significant distress, age appropriate dosing as directed by a pharmacist or GP
- Teething rings worn by parents: Silicone or wooden teething jewellery worn by the parent allows baby to chew safely during feeds or cuddles
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Buying a Baby Teething Amber Necklace: What to Look For
If you decide to purchase a Baltic amber teething necklace despite the safety advisories, prioritise the following:
- Individually knotted beads between each bead to prevent mass scatter if the string breaks
- Safety/screw clasp that releases under tension
- Certified genuine Baltic amber with authentic documentation
- Age-appropriate sizing, approximately 32 cm for infants
- Raw or lightly polished amber for maximum succinic acid surface contact per seller claims
- Reputable supplier with verifiable reviews and clear return policy
The Bottom Line on Baby Teething Amber Necklaces
Baby teething amber necklaces occupy a contested space between natural parenting tradition and evidence based medicine. The theory behind them that succinic acid from Baltic amber absorbs through infant skin to reduce pain is not currently supported by clinical evidence. Peer reviewed research has found that succinic acid does not leach from amber beads in meaningful quantities under skin like conditions.
At the same time, many parents report perceived benefit, and the product remains widely sold across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
What is not contested is the safety risk. Choking and strangulation hazards are real, and no medical organisation recommends necklaces of any kind for infants. If you choose to use one, supervision is non-negotiable, and removal during sleep is essential.
For guaranteed safe teething relief, chilled teething rings, gum massage, and age appropriate pain relief remain the most evidence supported options.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP, health visitor, or paediatrician before introducing any new remedy during your baby's teething phase.
